Two dominant backs in Michael Rantz and Josh Kibel are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Dolores Bears will venture away from home to challenge the Dove Creek Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Dolores is no doubt hoping to put an end to a six-game streak of away losses dating back to last season.
Last Friday, Dolores came up short against Sargent and fell 30-23.
Despite the loss, Dolores got top-tier performance from Rantz, who picked up 73 receiving yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries. Rantz didn't just play on offense: he also made 13 total tackles and defended two passes in addition to snagging an interception.
Dolores wouldn't let Sargent keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. It was truly a group effort as River Wickstrom, Davien Pawlicki, and Deven Winter picked up one apiece.
Dove Creek never got on the board in their matchup last Friday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Norwood last Friday. They put the hurt on the Mavericks with a sharp 50-26 win. Considering the Bulldogs have won four games by more than 23 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Kibel continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns, while also throwing for 71 yards and a touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Dove Creek was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 372 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Norwood only rushed for 161.
Dove Creek didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. Liam Hassell picked up that interception and then proceeded to rub salt in the wound by taking it back the other way for a touchdown. He is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in the last eight games he's played dating back to last season.
Dolores' defeat dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Dove Creek, their record is now 5-1.
Friday's match might be decided in the on the ground. Dolores has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 163.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Dove Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 260.7. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Dolores was taken down by Dove Creek 48-0 in their previous matchup back in October of 2023. Can Dolores avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
